Entangled Crossroads: Inter-Relationality, Masculinity, and Sex-Trafficked Boys. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kepler, Christopher
• Is Part Of: Feminist theology. Volume 29:Number 2(2021:Jan.)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 203
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Identity -- intersectionality -- inter-relationality -- theology -- quantum entanglement -- fourth-wave feminism -- queer -- masculinity -- child sex-trafficking; 230.08205
• DOI: 10.1177/0966735020965171
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0966-7350

Abstract

In this article, I highlight systemic oppression related to identity construction and ontological performativity. I introduce the concept of inter-relationality as a discursive tool that builds upon intersectionality, feminist theology, and quantum entanglement theory. For a case study, I recount my experience observing sex-trafficked boys in Thailand in order to demonstrate the analytical model I present. My chief analytical guiding principle in the treatment of the case study is the way masculinity operates to re-enforce oppression. I propose queering masculinity using an inter-relational perspective for the purpose of de-constructing oppressive systems and replacing them with liberative ones.